FAQ

Yes. Oklahoma Christian University’s Graduate School of Theology is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of College and Universities.

What is the difference between the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry , the Master of Theological Studies, and the Master of Divinity?

The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is a broad, in-depth degree that equips you for ministry and the possibility of further academic study. The Master of Divinity includes the most biblical studies, history, theology, and ministry courses of the three degrees offered, and is 89 credit hours long. The Master of Divinity is usually required for military chaplaincy.

The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry is a shorter, more focused degree that specifically prepares you for congregational ministry. At 48 credit hours, it can be completed with or without taking an original language (Greek or Hebrew).

The Master of Theological Studies degree is also 48 credit hours long, and is designed for the student who wants to pursue additional graduate work upon completion of the degree (Ph.D. programs) or for the student who simply wants to improve his or her understanding of the Bible or theology.

Do I need to have an undergraduate degree in Bible to apply to OC’s Graduate School of Theology?

No. Students entering OC’s Graduate School of Theology are not required to have an undergraduate degree in Bible. Students with previous biblical or language studies may receive advanced standing, which will be discussed during your application process.

How much does it cost?

Tuition is $400 per credit hour. If you enter the program with a 3.0 GPA and maintain it while in the program, you will automatically qualify for the Institutional Scholarship of $110 per credit hour, which lowers your tuition to $290 per credit hour. (This scholarship/tuition reduction is not available for non-degree seeking students.) As a full-time student taking nine hours a semester, your tuition will be $2,610 as long as you maintain a 3.0 GPA. You also may apply for endowed departmental scholarships, which may further reduce your total cost.

Are there any fees?

Applicants are required to pay an application fee of $25. Once accepted, all other fees are waived as part of Oklahoma Christian’s “Eagles Fly Fee Free” campaign.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. Financial aid is available to students who meet financial aid qualifications. For more information, contact OC’s Office of Financial Services at 405.425.5190.

Are scholarships available?

Yes. There are endowed departmental scholarships available through OC’s Graduate School of Theology. These scholarships are independent from any federal financial assistance you may receive. You must apply for these scholarships prior to the fall semester of each academic year. Click here for the departmental scholarship application.

Is campus housing available?

Yes. OC has campus apartments available for rent. For information on the latest rates, availability, and other housing information, please contact OC’s Office of Residence Life at 405.425.5930. Space is limited, so contact the Office of Residence Life as early as possible.

In the past three years, 88% of students graduating with degrees in ministry have gone on to put their learning to use in a professional ministry context. The remaining 12% of graduates are using their degrees to assist local congregations in ministry while pursuing secular professions.

When do you admit new students to OC’s Graduate School of Theology?

Start any time you want! You may apply to enter in the spring, summer, or fall semesters. Keep in mind that it is best if we receive all application materials no later than about one month prior to the start of the semester in which you wish to begin.

Do you have online classes?

Yes, a small number of distance learning courses are available. The number of distance learning hours that may be applied toward your degree is limited. Please note that while some online classes are available, OC’s Graduate School of Theology is not an online-only program and therefore regular attendance in on-campus courses will be necessary to complete the majority of your degree.

Do you have online degrees?

No. We do not have any online degrees available at this time. While it is possible to take several required classes online, enrollment in on-campus classes is required for degree completion.

When do your classes meet?

Courses are offered during the regular academic semester on Tuesdays. This schedule allows students to drive to campus from some distance and take all of their course work with a single commute each week. It also allows local residents to take courses while maintaining their employment, ministry, family, and other commitments. In addition, short intensive courses (both one-week and weekend intensive formats) are available in May, and at various times during the summer to supplement the course schedule. Finally, several distance courses are available.

How long does it take to complete the degree programs?

The answer depends on how many hours you take each semester. A full-time graduate load is nine credit hours per semester (six hours in the summer). For a full-time student, the M.A.C.M. and M.T.S. degrees can generally be completed in two years. The M.Div. degree can generally be completed within four years.

Is there a time limit to complete the degrees?

The standard time limit is seven years for the M.A.C.M. and M.T.S. degrees and 10 years for the M.Div. Additional time may be available through approved leave of absence semesters.

Can I transfer hours into your program?

While there is no automatic transfer of credit, hours with a grade of B or better from regionally-accredited institutions are usually accepted. Normally, no more than 21 transfer hours may be used to fulfill degree requirements in the M.A.C.M. and M.T.S. programs. No more than 42 hours may be transferred into the M.Div.

Can I use hours from previous graduate degrees in your program?

The number of hours from a previous graduate degree that can be applied to a subsequent degree is limited to 50%. No more than 50% of hours applied to a previous degree may be accepted toward a subsequent degree, and no more than 1/2 of the hours of a degree can be earned in this way.

Questions about OC’s Graduate School of Theology? Contact Josh Bailey.